 |
| Met Office (twitter warning) |
As you will know, the MET office has now issued a level four warning for Extreme Heat. Level 4 extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday next week.
What does Level 4 mean?
A Level 4 (red) Heatwave Alert means the "heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged" that "illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy; not just in high-risk groups.
Particular concerns and risks:
- Increased adverse health impacts. Already seeing increased attendance at hospitals due to direct impacts
- Increased fatality risk. Last year excess deaths of 900 last year’s heatwave, expected to be even higher this year
- Increase in 999 calls in relation to heat, combined with current Covid surge
- Risk of flash floods (60% chance) Some rain is forecast after the heatwave, however it is too soon to forecast the severity of this in relation to potential flooding
- Increase risk of people getting into difficulty in bodies of water
- Increased risk of wild fires
Further advice from the Met Office includes:
- Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies, and those with underlying health conditions
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather, and slow down when it is hot.
Heatwave Checklist (pdf)
Met Office (twitter warning)
